If you love mystery romances then you’ll love the “Mysteries Of A Heart” series, which Captive Heart at Brantmar Castle, the book I read, is book 2. The series is written by author Celeste Fenton, and I’m so pleased to be part of her latest book tour and welcome Celeste onto the blog. But first, here’s a brief summary of Captive Heart At Brantmar Castle…
BOOK SUMMARY
Two mysteries. One fight for survival. And danger closing in from both sides of the sea.
Gabby Heart travels to a remote Scottish castle with her best friend, Abe—a bestselling children’s author—expecting misty views, historic charm, and quiet time to plan their next book series. But Brantmar Castle holds more than ghosts of the past. When the women are taken hostage, Gabby must rely on her instincts, her resilience, and the help of men who may not deserve her trust to survive.
Meanwhile, on Dost Island, young residents are vanishing without a trace. As those left behind scramble for answers, unsettling clues emerge—leading to a dark motive no one could have predicted.
From the storm-swept highlands of Scotland to the rocky shores of New England, Captive Heart at Brantmar Castle blends mystery, emotional grit, simmering romance, and humor, in a story where secrets run deep… and time is running out.
Publisher: Independently Published (September 22, 2025)
ISBN: 979-8292238829
ASIN: B0FNLY4WXK
Print length: 389 pages (also available as ebook)
THE INTERVIEW
Hi Celeste and a big warm welcome to the blog 👋
Thank you, Linda for inviting me to Boots, Shoes, and Fashion! I’m Celeste Fenton, retired professor turned mystery author, and proud creator of The Mysteries of a Heart series — where danger comes with a dash of desire. I live in sunny Florida with my spoiled Cavalier spaniel, Gemma, who insists she’s my muse (and she’s not wrong – she’s the inspiration for Darcy in Captive Heart). When I’m not writing or reading, I love spending time with my kids and grandkids and traveling to small towns to people-watch, and cook up romance and plot crimes (on my laptop of course!).
Who or what inspired you to write “The Mysteries Of A Heart” series?
The idea of writing a mystery had been chirping in my head for years — like a persistent parrot reminding me I wasn’t getting any younger. When my husband passed away in 2021, I realized there’s never a “right time” to start pursuing a dream. I took a deep breath, gave myself a strong pep-talk, ditched my fear of failure (mostly), sat down at my computer, and let my stories take flight.
I really enjoyed reading your book, “Captive Heart in Brantmar Castle ”, which is book 2 in the Mysteries of The Heart series, and I particularly enjoyed the characters of Gabby, Abigail, Jay & Rick. What character did you particularly enjoy writing about? What character was the hardest to portray?
Thank you, Linda! That means so much — it makes the long hours worth it. Gabby is definitely my favorite; she’s so messy, layered, and wonderfully human. Sometimes I have to wrestle her off the page just to let the others speak! Jay, Lola, and Gail are a blast — they practically write their own dialogue. Rick is a bit of a challenge since he keeps his cards close to his chest…back story there! The hardest? Abe. Her quiet strength and past trauma hit a bit close to home and writing her feels like revealing a little too much of myself.
Researching for your novel must have been quite interesting… did you discover anything that shocked you or uncover some nugget of information that was unexpected?
I’m glad you noticed the level of research involved in Captive Heart. I spent much more time, four or five months, delving into the settings and topics in book2 than I did for Lost Heart. Along the way, I fell down a lot of rabbit holes. While Lost Heart was a more contained plot, Captive Heart, moves readers back and forth from the U.S. to Scotland. I dove into everything from aviation to Scottish weather patterns. I consulted a pilot, who taught me that planes can’t simply “fly straight” across the Atlantic — they follow great-circle routes because of the curvature of the Earth. Geometry class came back to haunt me! I had to rein myself in… showing off my new knowledge about aerodynamics at luncheons and dinners. I also read about survivor’s guilt and gunshot trauma, which was sobering but essential to get right.
Captive Heart in Brantmar Castle is based in New England and Scotland, yet you live in Florida. What made you pick those locations for this story?
I’ve been lucky enough to visit all 50 states, and New England stole my heart early on. I knew Gabby had to come from a small island off the Massachusetts coast — think Nantucket with secrets. As for Scotland, well… let’s just say my husband had to limit the number of castles I could drag him to. Just think what those ancient stone walls have seen everything — love affairs, betrayals, ghosts — what mystery writer could resist?
Although you made your debut as an author at the age of 69, growing up, did you envisage yourself as a writer or did you have other career aspirations?
You know…I’ve been asked that question a lot over the last year and it has lead me to do some real reflection. For more than ten years, I worked as a career counselor in both a high school and a community college, and one thing I learned—about people and about myself—is that while some individuals know their path from an early age, most of us are pulled in certain directions through opportunity or necessity. Looking back, I can see that the impulse to write was always there, even if it never appeared on a formal career plan. I even won a short-story contest in college, which kept my ego floating happily for quite a while.
The urge to write was a little bird that chirped at me, but life led me in other directions—into academia, family, and a long career I loved. After my husband passed away, I found myself at a crossroads, unsure who I was, what I wanted. Grief has a way of sharpening your understanding that time waits for no one. I chose to give myself permission to try, to let go of the fear of failure, and let the little bird out of the cage to write.
Is “Captive Heart at Brantmar Castle” available worldwide?
Yes! It’s available on Amazon, Ingramspark, Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million…worldwide in both ebook , paperback, and hardcover — perfect for readers who enjoy a little danger with their desire. (And no passport required!)
If you could visit any place in the world to inspire a new novel, where would you go and why?
Tasmania, hands down. It’s the setting for Book Four — where Gabby and her friends investigate the mysterious death of Anna’s half-brother. I’ve already started researching the wild landscape, remote cliffs, and culture. It’s part mystery, part adventure, romance — and maybe a little heartbreak.
Are you a bookworm yourself? If so, what genres (or authors) do you usually like to read? And are you a kindle or “proper book” fan?
I’ve been devouring stories since I was four, and I have a blue ribbon from the New Port Richey summer reading program of 1960 to prove it! My reading taste is eclectic — Elizabeth Berg, Karen White, and Heather Hummel Gallagher for women’s fiction; Agatha Christie and M.C. Beaton for cozy mysteries; Nora Roberts and Lisa Kleypas when I’m in the mood for romance; and Game of Thrones when I want dragons with my drama. While I have a Kindle, I love the feel and smell of a ‘proper book’. I love to browse and buy in a real physical bookstore.
Personal now – what outfits and shoes would you normally be found wearing?
Most days, you’ll find me in jeans or leggings and a comfy tee — the official uniform of dog-moms everywhere. When I venture into civilization, I’ll throw on a stylish dress or pants and top (Thank you, Chicos!). As for shoes, I’ve surrendered to flats (gracefully, I might add). But— they’re still cute with glitz and bows. And yes, I do own too many pairs. (Looking at you, Gabby Heart.)
Do you have any favourite shops or online sites ?
Chico’s, hands down — I love their mix of comfort and class. Amazon, of course, because what can’t you get there? Chewy’s for Gemma’s royal treats, and Etsy for all the clever, crafty people who make things I could never dream of making myself.
What’s next on your clothes/shoe wish list?
There’s a sparkly tee at Chico’s calling my name, but I’m trying to be sensible and hold out until it goes on sale. And…I was asked to be a model in a fashion show last week…my credit card bloated a bit when I bought the outfits I modeled. I’ll definitely be visiting the boutique the for the cute little dress with the fishnet sleeves another woman got to show off.
Boots or shoes — and why?
I adore boots, but Florida’s climate gives me about three days a year to wear them. So, shoes win by default. That said, there’s a pair of tan suede boots at DSW whispering, “You deserve us.” And honestly, who am I to argue with good footwear?
Links you would like to share e.g. website/facebook etc
Website
YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@CelesteFentonWrites
@CelesteFentonWrites
https://www.facebook.com/celeste.fenton.9
celeste.fenton.9
https://www.instagram.com/celestefentonwrites
@celestefentonwrites
BOOK TOUR DETAILS
Fantastic to have you on the blog, Celeste! Thank you also for the review copy of Captive Heart At Brantmar Castle …. I’m looking forward to the next books ….
Linda x
All photographs have been published with the kind permission of Celeste Fenton
Header photo is by Linda Hobden – Warwick Castle, England .
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